Motorists are too poor to fix their cars

More than one in ten motorists are driving around in unsafe and un-roadworthy cars because they can't afford to fix them or maintain them properly, a new study has found.

The survey revealed that millions of drivers were on the road with cracked windscreens, bald tyres and dodgy brakes. Other drivers admitted to using cars with broken brake lights, seatbelts that don't work properly and missing wing mirrors. 

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The biggest reason for not getting parts fixed was down to drivers being concerned about the cost of repairs. Other reasons for putting-off visits to the garage included drivers not having the time to do it and not trusting the mechanics.

One in four motorists admitted that they needed to replace their current car completely, but that they would struggle to get the money needed to do so. 

A worrying 14 per cent of those questioned said that they didn't feel safe driving their own car, while another 17 per cent were worried about taking their cars on long journeys. More than one in ten claimed that a fault they had ignored had gone on to cause an accident or near-miss.

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James Wilkinson, CEO of Car Loan 4U, the company that carried out the research, said: "When something starts to go wrong with your car, it can be daunting if you don’t really have the money to fix it.

"But it’s worrying to see so many are putting off fixing or replacing their car and driving around in something which might not be safe enough to be on the road. Cutting corners on your car safety is not advisable, and even if you think you can’t afford it, there are options out there."

Have you ever put-off getting your car repaired because you couldn't afford it? Let us know in the comments section below...